Apron construction for automatic water gate

ABSTRACT

The apron is made as a separate unit and fixed to the frame by a U-link which is secured to a frame beam by a crosspiece fixedly connected to the upper end of the apron, and by an inverted Ulink which is secured to a spaced portion of the frame beam by a second crosspiece fixedly connected to gussets forming part of the apron. Stops are provided to fix the position of the inverted U-link on the frame beam, and shims are utilized with the second crosspiece to effect precise adjustment of the centering of the apron on the axis of rotation of the gate.

United States Patent Dubouchet 51 Sept. 26, 1972 1 1 APRON CONSTRUCTION FOR AUTOMATIC WATER GATE [72] Inventor: Jacques L. Dubouchet, 427 Weaver St., Larchmont, NY. 10538 [22] Filed: March 24,1971

21 App1.No.: 127,587

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1947 Netherlands /25 460,719 1950 Italy ..61/25 Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney-Liddy, Sullivan, Hart, Daniels & Baxley [57] ABSTRACT The apron is made as a separate unit and fixed to the frame by a U-link which is secured to a frame beam by a crosspiece fixedly connected to the upper end of the apron, and by an inverted U-link which is secured to a spaced portion of the frame beam by a second cross piece fixedly connected to gussets forming part of the apron. Stops are provided to fix the position of the inverted U-link on the frame beam, and shims are utilized with the second crosspiece to effect precise adjustment of the centering of the apron on the axis of rotation of the gate.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED E I972 3,693. 355

SHEET 1 or 2 INVENTOR.

/4c0z/s L. DUBOUCHET v PATENTED I972 3,693, 355

sum 2 0F 2 INVENTOR.

dACQUES 1.. 01/5000/57 APRON CONSTRUCTION FOR AUTOMATIC WATER GATE THE INVENTION This invention relates to gates for automatically controlling the flow of water in canals, streams, etc., and more particularly to an improved apron construction for the sector type of such automatic gates.

Automatic gates of the sector type are usually constituted of an upstream, arcuately-shapedgate apron centered on the axis of rotation of the gate, a downstream sector-shaped, gate float centered onthe same axis, a frame connecting the gateapron and the float, and ballasting means for balancing the gate to effect its automatic operation.

It has been found that gates of the indicated type when constructed as a unit have a variable opposing couple and that in order that such a gate may be enabled to operate correctly, it is necessary that the sector apron be exactly centered on the axis of rotation of the gate. Accordingly, it is the primary purpose of this invention to provide a readily removable, but extremely rigid means capable of fixing the sector apron on the position as is shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Sufficient of the ballast is added until the gate is just on balance in its closed condition. The gate is then balanced in its open position by loading ballast 21 to a container 6 which is mounted on the frame 3 so that it is located vertically above the pivoted axis 2 when the gate is in its closed position as in FIG. 1. As a result of such balanced condition of the gate, when the level of the water in the downstream reach falls below the level of the pivotal axis 2, the gate will immediately and automatically open to permit a larger discharge of water into the downstream reach until the water in the latter is restored to the level of the pivotal axis 2, whereupon the gate will close to return theapron 2 to closed position.

Considering now FIGS. 2-5 of the drawings, it will be noted that the frame 3 is composed of two parallelly disposed hollow'metal frame arms 3',3" of rectangular 0 configuration. The upper portionsof the outer ends of the arms 3,3", are cut out, leaving the lower portions thereof to provide reduced sections 13. The top of each reduced section 13 and the end of the upper portion of the frame arm from which such reduced section proarms of the frame'in an exactly centered position relajects, are closed by an angle plate 22 to prevent the tive to the axis of rotation of the gate.

In accordance with this invention, the aforesaid purpose is attained by constructing the apron as a separate 7 unit and then fixing the apron to the frame by means that include a U-link which is secured to a reduced section of a frame beam by a crosspiece fixedly connected to the upper end of the apron, and an inverted U-link which is secured in position on a spaced section of the frame beam by a second crosspiece fixedly connected to gussets forming part of the apron. Stops are provided to fix the position of the inverted U-link on the frame beam, and shims are utilized with the second crosspiece to effect precise adjustment of the centering of the apron on the axis of rotation of the gate.

A better comprehension of the invention may be obtained from a perusal of the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings which show by way of example the invention embodied in a sector type automatic gate constructed to maintain a constant water level downstream of the gate, and in which a FIG.-l is a schematic, side elevational view of the gate;

FIG. 2 is an'enlarged, side elevational view of the gate apron with one of the outer gussets partly broke away to show the outer U-link assembly more clearly;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the parts shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 55 in FIG. 2.

As is shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the automatic gate shown includes a frame 3 which extends upstream from the gate pivotal axis 2 and on the outer upstream end of which is mounted a sector-shaped apron 1 radially disposed to the pivotal axis 2. The gate unit further includes a hollow sector float 4 which is also centered for pivotal movement about the axis 2 and which moves in a tank 5 that is in communication with the downstream reach of the canal. The float 4 also functions as a ballasting container for ballast material 20 which is loaded therein when the gate is in its closed entry of moisture into the frame arm. The outer end of the reduced section 13 is closed by an end plate 16 which also prevents the entry of moisture into the arm, and in addition, serves the more important function of providing a precise seating surface for a crosspiece l7 permanently secured in any suitable fashion, as by welding, to the upper portion of the apron 1. Thus, when the crosspiece 17 is secured in proper seating relation on the upper edge of the plate 16, the apron will be properly fixed vertically with relation to the ends of the frame arms 3' ,3. The ends of each crosspiece 17 may also be connected, as by welding, to the opposed faces of an outer gussett 11 and an inner gusset 12 associated in spaced relation with each frame arm and secured along their outer end edges, as by welding, to the interior surface of the apron 1. (note FIGS. 3 and 5). The crosspiece 17 forms part of one of the devices for securing the apron 1 to the frame arms 3,3" Provided in each crosspiece 17 are two spaced holes 23, in FIGS. 2 and 5, for receiving the threaded legs 24 of a U-shaped link 8 straddling the reduced arm section 13 and with its central portion bearing against the lower side of such section. The link 8 is secured in position by two lock nuts 25 in threaded engagement with the legs 24 thereof and tightened against flanged lock washers 26 seated on the upper surface of the crosspiece l7.

The other assemblies or devices for securing the apron 1 to the frame arms 3'3", each include a stop 10 which is permanently secured, as by welding, to the lower surface of the associated frame arm so that the outer end face 30 thereof is spaced a given distance from the pivotal axis 2 and a given distance from the centerlines of the holes 23 in the associated crosspiece 17. Permanently secured to such lower surface of the associated frame arm in spaced relation to the end face 36} of stop 10 is a second stop 14. Located between the two stops 10 and 14 is a crosspiece 9 which is seated against the end face 30 of stop 10 so that it is precisely positioned with respect to the axis 2. The crosspiece 9 extends across and is permanently secured, as by welding, to the inner end edges of the spaced gussets 11 and 12 associated with this assembly. It will thus be seen that each pair of gussets 11 and 12 are rigidly secured in proper fixed relation by the connections of their inner end edges with the crosspiece 9, of their front end edges with the interior surface of the apron 1, and of their opposed surfaces with the ends of the crosspiece l7.

The crosspiece 9 is provided with two spaced openings 31, in FIGS. 2 and 4,-through which are inserted the threaded ends of the legs 32,32 of an inverted U-shaped link 7 straddling the associated frame arm so that its central portion bears on the upper surface of such frame arm. The link 7 is secured in position on the frame arm by lock nuts 15 that are screwed on the threaded ends of the link legs 32 into tight engagement with the flanged lock washers 33 seated on the lower surface of crosspiece 9. Prior to the tightening of nuts 15, the apron l is precisely centered with relation to the axis of rotation 2 by inserting one or more shims 18 between the crosspiece 9 and the lower surface of the associated frame arm.

From the foregoing it will be understood that a sector-shaped apron 1 of a given curvature can be exactly centered on the axis of rotation 2 by a securing means which precisely positions the apron 1 at the correct radial distance for its given curvature from such rotational axis and precisely arranges such apron with respect to such axis so that all of the radii extending from such axis to the apron will be exactlythe same length throughout the extent of its sector shape. It is to be noted that the correct positioning of the apron on the frame arms 3',3" is accomplished with the aid of the stops l and that once the gate is so positioned, the stops 14 are so arranged with respect to the stops l0 and the crosspieces 7, that the apron will not be able to move away from such position during the assembly of the apron and while the nuts 15 of the links 7 are being tightened to secure the apron in such position. It will further be noted from FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, that when the gate is operating the acting head on both sides of the apron 1 provides a resultant hydraulic thrust on the apron 1 which is in such a position that it could be balanced by a torque through the beam seating surfaces of the crosspieces 9 and 17 and by one additional force parallel to the arms and acting on the face 30 of the stop 10. These stresses resulting from the torque are applied to the frame arms in a downward direction through the crosspiece 17 and in an upward direction through the crosspiece 9 so that the links 7 and 8 will not be subjected to these stresses. The bending moment of the forces acting on the frame arms will be maximum at the links 7 and will be insignificant at the links 8. This will enable the portions of the arms to which the links8 are attached to be reduced in size appreciably as is shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, thereby affording a reduction in the weights of the arms and the sizes of the links 8. This further facilitates the securement of widely varying sizes of aprons to the frame. It should also be observed that the stops 10 serve. a dual purpose; (1) they help to position accurately the apron on the frame arms, and (2) they support the thrust of the apron along the axial lines of the frame arms 3' and 3". As a result of this construction it is possible for those on the site where the gate is to be used to assemble the apron to the frame readily and accurately without any possibility of errorand even though they might not seat the crosspiece 9 exactly against the face 30 of the stop 10 in making such assembly, when the apron is put under hydraulic pressure in its use, the crosspiece 9 will be caused automatically to seat properly against the stop 10.

While there has hereinabove been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be evident to those skilled in this art that changes may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A water gate including a frame, means on said frame for mounting the gate for pivotal movement about a fixed axis, a separate, removable, sectorshaped gate apron of given curvature, and means supporting said apron on said frame so that it is centered with respect to said axis, said supporting means comprising a first means fixed to said frame and a second means fixed to said apron and cooperative with said first means to position the apron relative to said frame so that the distance of said apron from said fixed axis is comparable to the length of a radius from said axis of the curvature of said apron and so that the plane of ourvature of the apron is parallel to said fixed axis, first connecting means for securing said'first and second means in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame, a third means fixed to said frame spaced substantially from said first connecting means and located adjacently said apron and a fourth means fixed to said apron and cooperative with said third means to center the said apron on said pivotal axis, and second connecting means for securing saidthird and fourth means in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame.

2. A water gate including a frame, means on said frame for mounting the gate for pivotal movement about a fixed axis, a'separate sector-shaped gate apron of given curvature, and means supporting said apron on said frame so that it is centered with respect to said axis, said supporting means comprising a first member fixed to said frame and a second member fixed to said apron and cooperative with said first member to position the apron relative to said frame so that the distance of said apron from said fixed axis is comparable to the length of a radius from said axis of the curvature of said apron, said firstmember being a stop element and said second member being a first fastening bar, first connecting means including said first fastening bar and a first inverted U-link straddling a first part of said frame, for securing said first and second members in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame, second connecting means spaced substantially from said first connecting means and located adjacently to said gate for securing said apron to said frame so that the plane of curvature of the apron is parallel to said fixed axis, said second connecting means comprising a second U-link turned upwards and fitted on a second part of said frame, and a second fastening bar fixed to an upper portion of said gate apron and bearing on a surface provided on said second frame part and disposed parallel to said pivotal axis, and means cooperable with said first connecting means to precisely center said apron on said pivotal axis in the fully secured condition thereof.

ing said second member.

4. A water gate as defined in claim 2, in which said means cooperable with said first connecting means comprises a shim fitted between said first frame part and said second member. 

1. A water gate including a frame, means on said frame for mounting the gate for pivotal movement about a fixed axis, a separate, removable, sector-shaped gate apron of given curvature, and means supPorting said apron on said frame so that it is centered with respect to said axis, said supporting means comprising a first means fixed to said frame and a second means fixed to said apron and cooperative with said first means to position the apron relative to said frame so that the distance of said apron from said fixed axis is comparable to the length of a radius from said axis of the curvature of said apron and so that the plane of curvature of the apron is parallel to said fixed axis, first connecting means for securing said first and second means in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame, a third means fixed to said frame spaced substantially from said first connecting means and located adjacently said apron and a fourth means fixed to said apron and cooperative with said third means to center the said apron on said pivotal axis, and second connecting means for securing said third and fourth means in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame.
 2. A water gate including a frame, means on said frame for mounting the gate for pivotal movement about a fixed axis, a separate sector-shaped gate apron of given curvature, and means supporting said apron on said frame so that it is centered with respect to said axis, said supporting means comprising a first member fixed to said frame and a second member fixed to said apron and cooperative with said first member to position the apron relative to said frame so that the distance of said apron from said fixed axis is comparable to the length of a radius from said axis of the curvature of said apron, said first member being a stop element and said second member being a first fastening bar, first connecting means including said first fastening bar and a first inverted U-link straddling a first part of said frame, for securing said first and second members in cooperative relation and said apron to said frame, second connecting means spaced substantially from said first connecting means and located adjacently to said gate for securing said apron to said frame so that the plane of curvature of the apron is parallel to said fixed axis, said second connecting means comprising a second U-link turned upwards and fitted on a second part of said frame, and a second fastening bar fixed to an upper portion of said gate apron and bearing on a surface provided on said second frame part and disposed parallel to said pivotal axis, and means cooperable with said first connecting means to precisely center said apron on said pivotal axis in the fully secured condition thereof.
 3. A water gate such as defined in claim 2, in which said first frame part is a portion of a frame arm, in which said second frame part is a reduced end portion of said frame arm, and in which said first connecting means comprises a pair of spaced gussets fixedly connected at their outer end edges to said gate apron and fixedly connected at their inner end edges to and carrying said second member.
 4. A water gate as defined in claim 2, in which said means cooperable with said first connecting means comprises a shim fitted between said first frame part and said second member. 